"The first of five bills before me today is
Introductory Number 721-A, sponsored by Council members Vallone, Nelson, Gerson,
Garodnick, Jackson, Mealy and Como. Introductory Number 721-A prohibits
climbing, jumping, or suspending oneself from structures without the approval of
the Police Department and the owner of the structure.

"The appeal of 'BASE' jumping, which stands
for Building, Antenna, Span, or Earth, is the practice of climbing, jumping or
suspending yourself from any structure, has grown in prominence over the past
few years. Recent high-profile stunts in Manhattan have brought both the appeal
and the danger of this hobby to light. Valuable City resources are dedicated to
responding to these events; resources that could be better utilized to respond
to other emergencies.

"I would like to thank Police Commissioner
Ray Kelly and his staff for their work on this bill. I would also like to thank
the City Council for approving this legislation."